1440 Doesn't Turn Over When Switch Is Turned...

[lowes48]

Hey Guys,

My 1440 has decided not to fire! I checked the battery with a meter and it's showing approx. 13 volts, so I don't think that's the problem, but I'm no electrical wizard so I thought I'd ask here before replacing it...

When the switch is turned there is nothing; no starter engagement and obviously no engine turnover. The lights do come on and the PTO makes the usual audible "click" when engaged, but nothing else. I'm sure it's not a big deal; probably the ignition switch, seat switch (tractor runs without someone being on the seat so I assume the PO rigged that), PTO switch, etc...) but I'd appreciate some sage council from the gurus here!

Any detail you guys can give on what and how I need to check the electrical works would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for the help!

[R Bedell]

Is the PTO in the "off" position...??

[lowes48]

Yes, to my knowledge the PTO is "off". I have sometimes thought the PTO switch might be a culprit when the tractor hasn't wanted to start easily in the past, so I would/will flip the switch to assure it's not engaged. Thanks for the question!

[Berwil]

My first thought is safety switches. Especially the seat switch since someone else jumped it out, no telling if it is making good connection. Here is a link to another 1440 no start post. Follow Roland's simplified diagram with a test light/ multimeter and confirm you have power at the solenoid. Let us know the results.

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...wiring+diagram

Bill

[lowes48]

Thanks for the help guys! I'll break out the multimeter and report back after I've deduced what the problem is.

[lowes48]

Hey Guys,

I finally got some time yesterday to assess the 1440 and I’m pretty sure it’s the solenoid… I’ll give you all a run-down on how I came to that conclusion, and as per an electrically-challenged individual, I’ve also got a few more questions…

First, I checked the voltage on the battery posts, then I checked it across the hotwire lead to the solenoid and the negative from the battery after turning the key switch and there was no voltage, which makes me believe it’s the solenoid. Out of curiously I did the old “screwdriver across the solenoid leads” and got the tractor to start but it only ran for a short while… Would the bad solenoid cause the tractor to die after it’s been started? I tried the same jump start process again but this time there was no electrical passage across the solenoid leads – when the screwdriver was touching both sides of the solenoid nothing happened! I assume it’s completely fired now? No worries since it’s getting replaced anyway, but I hope I didn’t zap anything else important! Any additional advice from the sage council here on this board would be greatly appreciated!

[R Bedell]

Out of curiously I did the old “screwdriver across the solenoid leads” and got the tractor to start but it only ran for a short while

I am not clear what you are jumping. Are you saying you jumped from the Large Hot Terminal to the small terminal...???

Would the bad solenoid cause the tractor to die after it’s been started?

No

Replace the starter solenoid and report back.

[lowes48]

I've got 2 threads running with the same basic info (my 1440 wouldn't turn over) so I thought I'd update both threads. Mods feel free to delete either thread if you feel one needs to go!

UPDATE - it seems it was the solenoid and/or the PTO switch. Installed a new solenoid and messed with the PTO switch and voila she's up and running! Freaked me out a bit that it wouldn't stay running at first, but I attribute that to the fuel having to prime for a few test hits!

My PTO switch might be the true culprit; where the toggle goes into the actual switch housing is loose and actually came apart; see video... I just used a small twig to flip the switch to engage the PTO then did the same to disengage it when I finished mowing. It works, but I'd prefer to have a working switch in the factory location and not deal with a rigged up mess but it was ok for today, since I was anxious to get the ol' girl going again! Are there any alternatives for a replacement switch save for the expensive one from Cub or Messicks?

http://s276.photobucket.com/user/low...7kaxr.mp4.html

[ford4150]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

I am not clear what you are jumping. Are you saying you jumped from the Large Hot Terminal to the small terminal...??? :Huh

Touch a flat screwdriver across the two large terminals of the solenoid. Essentially connects the battery to the starter. If it starts, suspect a faulty solenoid.